Ann Taylor MasterCard Review

*Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on product links. For more information, please see our Advertiser Disclosure

Shopping is my favorite season. When I get the "itch" for a trendy new look or I am in need of a little retail therapy, Ann Taylor is always one place I am sure to stop by. This women's clothing retailer has been around since the 1950's and has followed the latest fashion trends all along the way. They offer classy, high-end fashion at a price that won't break the bank. Ann Taylor offers two cards to finance your purchases. Although both cards are issued through World Financial Network Bank (WFNNB), one is their own store card, which cannot be used anywhere other than Ann Taylor or LOFT. The other card being offered –the one we are doing the review on- is a MasterCard and can be used both at the retail chain and anywhere MasterCard is accepted. We broke down the card’s features below so you can decide if this card is right for you.

The Ann Taylor MasterCard offers a rewards program called "Perfect Rewards". The rewards rate will earn you five points for every dollar spent at Ann Taylor or LOFT. If you have the MasterCard credit card, you can earn one point for every dollar spent everywhere else. Every time you reach 2,000 points you get a coupon for $20 off a purchase; in other words, after you spend $400 on the card, you get $20 back, a 5% savings. The coupons can be combined as long as they were earned by the same cardholder. Another bonus is a $15-off birthday coupon, which must be used within your birthday month.

What We're Not so Crazy About

The MasterCard’s APR at the time of review is a variable 24.99%- ouch! Keep in mind that with store issued cards, credit limits may not be very high. Furthermore, if you’re like me, you probably don't shop for all your clothing items in one store. People tend to shop around, thus the chances of you continually spending enough money to accrue those $20 coupons are very slim, so the card won't likely save you money in the long run. Also, points accrued are non-transferrable and cannot be used by anyone other than the primary cardholder. The great majority of credit card carriers tend to carry a balance, so the high APR just doesn’t make sense if you are a part of that majority. Plus, don't forget the finance charges that will most likely build up. Overall, there are not enough benefits to make this card an attractive offer, though I can understand someone signing up for the card just for the annual $15-off birthday coupon.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that although Ann Taylor is a great clothing retailer, their card is just not a great option. The Ann Taylor store is always having great sales both in-store and online, thus a $20 off coupon that comes with many possible risks, is not necessary. And, although we appreciate the nice $15 off coupon for your birthday, this is a pretty standard offering at most clothing retailers. Even more, many retailers offer this gift by just being on a email list, rather than "having" to take out a store card. Further, you are better off using a rewards credit card that doesn't have such an astronomically high APR. Many cards out there offer cash back in specific categories where you are not restricted to one single store.

*Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

*The content in this article is accurate at the publishing date, and may be subject to changes per the card issuer.

Susan G. Komen® Credit Card Review
Published October 18th, 2016
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it's estimated that over 40,000 women will die from this disease in the United States in 2016. In fact,...

Community

Company

Download Our Free Mobile App

*General Disclaimer:See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. We make every effort to maintain accurate information. However, all credit card information is presented without warranty. To confirm terms and conditions, click the "Apply Now" button and review info on the secure credit card terms page.Advertiser Disclosure

ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE

CompareCards is an independent, advertising-supported credit comparison service. Offers which appear on CompareCards.com are from companies with which CompareCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact the location and order in which these products appear. CompareCards.com takes into consideration several proprietary rules and the likelihood of an applicants’ credit approval to determine how and where products appear on the site. CompareCards.com does not include the entire universe of available credit or financial offers.

About Our Ratings

Our editors rate credit cards objectively based on the features the credit card offers consumers, the fees and interest rates, and how a credit card compares with other cards in its category. The ratings are the expert opinion of our editors, and not influenced by any remuneration this site receives from card issuers.

Excellent Credit

700 or Higher

Credit cards for excellent credit are intended for those with a credit score of 700 or Higher.

Good Credit

700 or Higher

Credit cards for excellent credit are intended for those with a credit score of 700 or Higher.

Fair Credit

Between 600 - 659

Credit cards for fair credit are intended for those with a credit score between 600 - 659.

Bad Credit

599 or Lower

Credit cards for bad credit are intended for those with a credit score of 599 or Lower.

No/Limited Credit

- - -

Credit cards for no credit are intended for those without an established credit score.